Florida Barber License Practice Test

Where is natural hair color primarily determined?

1. In the cuticle

2. Within the cortex

3. In the medulla

4. Outside layer

The correct answer is: Within the cortex

Natural hair color is primarily determined within the cortex. The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft, and it contains most of the hair's pigment, which is responsible for the color. The type and amount of melanin in the cortex define whether hair is blonde, brown, black, or red. Melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which are located in the hair follicle. The cuticle, on the outermost layer of the hair shaft, serves as a protective barrier but does not contribute to the hair's color. The medulla, which is the innermost layer of the hair, is often absent in fine or thin hair and does not play a role in color determination. The "outside layer" refers to the cuticle again, reinforcing that the inner structure, specifically the cortex, is where the actual color is determined. Understanding this helps clarify the physiological aspects of hair and can be crucial for barbers when considering treatments or color processes.